Segel, J., & Miller, K. (2014). Nightmares! [audiobook]. New York: Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group.
After his mother dies, Charlie Laird’s life changes too much. His father remarries Charlotte and forces Charlie and his younger brother Jack to move into the spooky purple mansion at the top of the hill. To make matters worse, Charlie starts to have nightmares about a witch and her cat. But then, Charlie realizes that the witch reminds him of someone…. Charlotte.
To be completely honest, I chose this audiobook because it’s narrated by Jason Segel, and I’m a fan of his work. I went in with low expectations, and they were met. The story is written well-enough and the plot makes sense. But, what I found the most challenging aspect of the story was how dark it was for a children’s book. Charlie experiences disturbing nightmares, and he must battle the darkness that overcomes him as he fears Charlotte more and more. Unlike A Tale Dark & Grimm, though, which I loved, there isn’t the comic relief to help balance out the serious plot, making this an emotionally draining read.
I’m sure that there’s a reader out there who would enjoy this book, especially if they’re a fan of spooky or scary stories. I’m just not that reader, so I give this book a 3.5 out of 5.
What am I going to read? 